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Cardiac Technologist

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Cardiac technologists provide technical services for the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. As part of the cardiology team, cardiac technologists operate a range of specialist equipment which provides data that cardiologists and other medical practitioners use for patient care.

Cardiac technologists may perform the following tasks:

  • electrocardiography (ECG) - recording the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured and its pattern and rhythm are interpreted
  • ambulatory monitoring - fitting a portable ECG monitor to record the ECG over a 24-hour period, and replaying and analysing the tape on a computerised system
  • exercise ECG stress testing - assessing a patient's cardiac response to exercise using a treadmill or stationary bicycle and ECG recording
  • pacemaker implant testing - testing and, if necessary, reprogramming implanted cardiac pacemakers with computerised equipment
  • cardiac catheterisation - monitoring and recording ECG and blood pressure data during interventional procedures
  • electrophysiology studies - using computerised systems to record ECG data from within the heart in order to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms
  • echocardiography - operating ultrasound equipment to scan the heart from the chest wall, obtaining and measuring images of the heart to assess blood flow and valve abnormalities
  • cardiac research - studying the effects of cardiovascular drugs and diseases using many of the above techniques.

Cardiac technologists may be required to be on call.

Personal Requirements:

  • careful and analytical approach to work
  • sympathetic, supportive and professional approach to patients
  • ability to follow safety guidelines
  • good communication skills
  • commitment to ongoing professional development
  • able to work as part of a team.

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